Midfielder Richard Douglas won't take his place against Richmond on Friday night after having his appendix removed on Monday. It's unknown how long he'll be sidelined, but he could be replaced by former captain Nathan van Berlo, who hit form in the SANFL at the weekend. Van Berlo gathered a team-high 27 possessions and took 13 marks in the club's win over Norwood. Mitch Grigg (26 disposals, one goal) and Sam Kerridge (20 disposals, one goal) were also impressive, as was forward Mitch McGovern (four goals). - Harry Thring
With Dayne Beams (shoulder) out for the season and Matthew Leuenberger (knee) also sidelined, Justin Leppitsch needs to find a few new faces to play in Saturday's QClash against Gold Coast at the Gabba. Zac O'Brien had 50 disposals and 10 clearances against a strong Sydney Swans team in the NEAFL at the weekend and is an ideal replacement for Beams. Trent West could slot in nicely alongside Stefan Martin as a second ruckman, although it could be an ideal week to debut athletic rookie Archie Smith as Martin's sidekick. - Michael Whiting
Interim coach John Barker lamented his team was running of "soldiers" after another heavy defeat last Saturday night. But he would have gained some heart from the return in the VFL last Sunday of veteran defender Andrew Walker. Walker, who has not played since Carlton’s thrilling win over Port Adelaide in round 12 because of a persistent knee injury, got through unscathed for the Northern Blues, collecting 20 possessions. Brad Walsh, who was dropped to the reserves after playing the past two games in the seniors, was the best player in the big loss to North Ballarat, gathering 29 disposals. Mark Whiley performed well with 26 disposals. Nick Holman is available after serving a one-game suspension from the round 17 encounter against Hawthorn. - Howard Kotton
Injury-prone swingman Ben Reid has moved a step closer to making his first AFL appearance this season after kicking a goal and emerging unscathed in a 32-point VFL loss at windy Williamstown – his second VFL game since returning from his latest soft-tissue problem. Fellow big man Jesse White, in his first VFL game for the season after being dropped, went goalless but competed well in conditions not conducive to key-forward play. Promising youngster Adam Oxley is expected to return after being rested at the weekend, and Jarryd Blair was a strong performer in the VFL who could return to beef up the Pies' forward pressure. After boom draftee Matt Scharenberg made his AFL debut in the loss to Melbourne on Saturday, the Pies might well blood another 19-year-old backman - East Fremantle product Jonathon Marsh, who has been in the frame for much of the season and only enhanced his chances by being deemed the Pies' best player in the VFL. Patrick Karnezis (two goals) continues to press his claims with another good VFL showing, while other running options include Paul Seedsman and Ben Kennedy, both of whom were omitted last week. - Ben Collins
Expect a few changes to the Essendon team that was thumped by the Western Bulldogs last week in a dismal display that saw the Bombers sink to the bottom four on the ladder. Courtenay Dempsey has shown some better form in recent weeks at VFL level being used as a forward, and he kicked three goals on the weekend. Tayte Pears was strong in defence and is probably as ready as he is going to be after a two-year absence from the senior team. Omitted ruck man/forward Shaun McKernan competed well, while Shaun Edwards was exciting in stages as well. Veteran forward Paul Chapman might have done enough to break back into the Bombers’ senior team as he reaches what is likely to be his last month in the AFL. - Callum Twomey
The biggest question surrounding the Dockers' mix this week involves Nat Fyfe. Dockers coach Ross Lyon rated the star midfielder as a 50/50 chance to return from a groin injury. Another headache is Freo's defensive options, with Zac Dawson to miss through suspension. Peel Thunder had the bye in the WAFL last weekend, so the options to replace Dawson are limited. Michael Johnson and Alex Silvagni aren't ready to return yet. With Alex Pearce thrown forward on the weekend, he can simply go back into defence and either Matt Taberner or Zac Clarke could play in attack. The other options could be to pick a medium-sized defender in Paul Duffield and leave Pearce forward, although that would seem unlikely. Connor Blakely and Ed Langdon remain firmly in the mix to come into the midfield if required. - Alex Malcolm
Mathew Stokes will come into contention after two weeks in the VFL. His experience and strength may be needed against the Sydney Swans, particularly with Steve Johnson suspended. Cory Gregson had his first rest last weekend after playing every game in the seniors in an outstanding debut year. His form had tapered off so he may return via the VFL. Jared Rivers impressed in the VFL with 20 touches returning from a knee injury while George Horlin-Smith kept his name in front of the selectors with 43 disposals. Dan Menzel, Nathan Vardy and Dean Gore continue to play well, but the coach has already told people to cool their jets as their AFL returns, if they happen, remain a couple of weeks away. - Peter Ryan
The Suns will welcome back Michael Rischitelli for Saturday's QClash against his former club the Brisbane Lions, after the stand-in skipper missed the draw against West Coast for personal reasons. Rory Thompson's absence with an ankle injury is the perfect chance for Clay Cameron to have another shot in defence alongside Steven May and Henry Schade. - Michael Whiting
Jon Patton took another step towards a senior recall with 11 marks, 21 possessions and three goals in a big win for the GWS reserves. Defender Matt Buntine returned for last week's loss to Fremantle from concussion but copped another head knock so is in serious doubt for this week's clash with Essendon, with Curtly Hampton and Adam Kennedy in line to replace him if need be. Midfielder Jake Barrett racked up 29 touches and laid eight tackles in the NEAFL to keep his name in front of the selectors, while ruckman Andrew Phillips had 53 hit-outs and kicked two goals in another impressive display. Rising Star nominee Cam McCarthy had a quiet day and failed to register a goal. Midfielder Devon Smith (knee) and Zac Williams (hamstring) are likely to be tested later this week. - Adam Curley
Out-of-favour ruckman Jonathon Ceglar stuck his hand up to take on Nic Naitanui in Perth on Saturday night with another impressive effort in the VFL. Ceglar could replace David Hale, who was subbed out against Richmond on Friday night, with several of his Box Hill teammates also waiting in the wings for opportunities. Jed Anderson's (23 disposals) standout run of form might see him rewarded with a recall against West Coast, while Jonathan Simpkin (32 disposals) and Jonathan O'Rourke are also pushing hard. Matt Suckling is likely to return from hamstring soreness and defender Angus Litherland could be available after pulling up sore from training last Thursday. - Travis King
An upset win over Collingwood in the bag, Demons coach Paul Roos will be hard-pressed to make any significant changes for Sunday's clash against North Melbourne. But with North boasting three genuine tall forwards, key defender Jack Fitzpatrick may come into the mix. He had 18 disposals and nine marks in another strong performance for Casey. Midfielders Aidan Riley (28 touches and 12 tackles) and Ben Newton (23 and seven tackles) also impressed. Christian Salem, Rohan Bail and Jimmy Toumpas all had 15 disposals in the VFL. Ruckmen Mark Jamar and Jake Spencer again had strong games for the Scorpions, but are finding it increasingly difficult to dislodge the in-form Max Gawn. – Ben Guthrie
The Roos will make at least one change this round after backman Michael Firrito accepted a one-match suspension on Tuesday. Key defender Lachlan Hansen shapes as his most likely replacement provided North is satisfied he is over his hip problems after spending the past two rounds in the VFL. Otherwise, the Roos could call on veteran backman Scott McMahon, who has been in solid form with Werribee all season. Small forward Robbie Nahas could also come in at the expense of Kayne Turner or Taylor Garner after starring for North Ballarat with seven goals on Sunday. Nahas only went out of the senior team when he was a late withdrawal from the round 15 Geelong clash with hamstring soreness, and has kicked 14 goals in the past three VFL rounds. Majak Daw returned to form in Werribee's win over Casey on Sunday with 13 disposals and 49 hit-outs, while Mason Wood kicked three goals in windy conditions not suited to tall forwards. - Nick Bowen
Ollie Wines will need to be assessed by a specialist this week after dislocating his left shoulder in the Power's 63-point win over St Kilda at the weekend. Wines attempted to play on after the injury but was ultimately subbed and surely won't be available for Saturday's game against the Western Bulldogs. Angus Monfries had the weekend off, resting from a slight Achilles issue, but will play SANFL this weekend to try and regain some form. Karl Amon was great in the SANFL in trying conditions (18 possessions), as was Brendon Ah Chee (15 disposals, eight clearances). Mitch Harvey booted three of the Magpies' 12 goals.
If ruckman Shaun Hampson passes a fitness test on his injured ankle this week, he could be recalled to give the Tigers an edge against Adelaide big man Sam Jacobs. Ivan Maric is in top form, but a two-pronged ruck attack would be valuable against the Crows. Tall forward Liam McBean will also be considered after kicking five goals for the Tigers' VFL team at the weekend. The 20-year-old has now kicked 14 goals in the past three weeks. Other changes are unlikely, with Shane Edwards at least one more week away with a leg injury. – Nathan Schmook
After an outstanding season in the VFL, the time has come for American ruckman Jason Holmes to get his chance at AFL level. Holmes, who is on the Saints' rookie list, could be elevated for Jack Billings (shin), who has been placed on the long-term injury list. Billy Longer was substituted at half time against Port Adelaide last week with concussion, putting his position in doubt this week. After missing the Port clash with calf soreness, captain Nick Riewoldt is set to return. Jack Lonie is also certain to return after being rested. VFL affiliate Sandringham had a bye at the weekend, but midfielder Seb Ross and half-back Nathan Wright are in the mix. – Nathan Schmook
A back problem has Lance Franklin in doubt for this weekend's trip to Geelong. The star forward kicked three goals against Adelaide last week but he looked hampered throughout the game. Speedy forward Gary Rohan is still a fortnight away with a hamstring strain according to coach John Longmire. Dan Robinson had 33 possessions and nine clearances to continue his consistent season, while Zak Jones responded to being dropped with 28 touches in the NEAFL. Mike Pyke should miss another week with a knee injury - the Swans aren't likely to bring him back after his knee failed to respond to a week off a fortnight ago. However, veteran forward Adam Goodes should boost the Swans by returning from a week off. - Adam Curley
Jeremy McGovern appears set to return to action this week against the Hawks provided his hamstring holds up at training. Ruckman Callum Sinclair had a knee scare against Gold Coast but he played out the game without issue and precautionary scans came back clear on Monday afternoon. Josh Hill was subbed out against the Suns after collecting just six disposals. Exciting youngster Tom Lamb has made a case for a recall with a second consecutive bag of four goals for East Perth in the WAFL. Patrick McGinnity is also in red-hot form and could fill a small forward/midfield role. He had 30 touches and kicked a goal in his second week back from a broken wrist. He gathered 23 disposals and kicked three goals in his first game back. - Alex Malcolm
A selection headache is looming for Luke Beveridge after both the senior and VFL teams came through their respective games winners and unscathed. Boom recruit Tom Boyd put his hand up for a recall with three goals in trying conditions while Nathan Hrovat (27 disposals) and Lin Jong (26) dominated the midfield. Key defender Joel Hamling did well in his return from a back injury and running half-back Rourke Smith must be edging closer to being elevated off the rookie list for a much-deserved debut after another impressive performance. And the good news keeps coming, with ruckman Will Minson available after suspension and Jordan Roughead (foot) and key defender Fletcher Roberts (ankle) both chances to face Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Saturday. - Ryan Davidson
